What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to assess the impact of integrating Gestalt Therapeutic Techniques with Stanislavski training on character portrayal in acting students.

March 31, 2026Open Access

Integrating gestalt therapeutic techniques enhances character portrayal in undergraduate acting students

Key Points

This study aims to assess the impact of integrating Gestalt Therapeutic Techniques with Stanislavski training on character portrayal in acting students.
Conducted a 16-week quasi-experiment with 71 undergraduate acting students.
Divided participants into experimental (Gestalt + Stanislavski) and control (Stanislavski-only) groups.
Measured Character Portrayal Proficiency across five dimensions and analyzed data using ANCOVA and thematic interviews.
The experimental group showed significant improvement in four of the five dimensions measured.
Notable enhancements were observed in character analysis, relational dynamics, communication skills, and performance design.
Stage presence did not show significant improvement, indicating reliance on longer-term training for that aspect.

Abstract

Introduction Contemporary acting pedagogy in China has long been grounded in the Stanislavsky system to develop character portrayal. However, this traditional approach presents limitations in cultivating students’ emotional accessibility and relational authenticity. This study investigates whether integrating Gestalt Therapeutic Techniques (GTT) with Stanislavski-based training enhances Character Portrayal Proficiency (CPP) in undergraduate acting students. Methods A 16-week quasi-experiment compared 71 students in Gestalt + Stanislavski (experimental) and Stanislavski-only (control) groups. Character Portrayal Proficiency was measured across five dimensions. ANCOVA analyzed post-test scores with pre-test covariates. Semi-structured interviews were thematically analyzed in NVivo. Results The experimental group significantly improved in four dimensions (Character Analysis, Relational Dynamics, Communication Skills, Internal and External Performance Design), but not Stage Presence. Qualitative data confirmed that Gestalt techniques fostered emotional authenticity, relational engagement, and reflective awareness. Experts acknowledged both pedagogical benefits and implementation challenges, recommending gradual integration of these techniques into acting curricula. Discussion The results demonstrate that GTT complements the Stanislavski system by strengthening internal and relational dimensions of performance whilst leaving stage charisma largely dependent on longer-term technical training. These findings affirm the pedagogical value of GTT, suggesting that systematic integration can enrich traditional acting methods and support psychologically grounded actor training.

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